Colours of Rajasthan & Nepal

2 countries13 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sitesManvar Desert Camp? NEW TOUR!Experience modern and ancient cities, arid deserts, lush jungles and breathtaking Himalayan views on this journey through India and Nepal. From the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fortress to Pashupatinath Temple and the three ancient Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, this tour is a fusion of wonder, adventure and spirituality.Colourful DelhiWe explore both the old and new parts of the city - you'll be amazed by the array of colour on display. We'll also take an exciting rickshaw ride through the colourful streets of the bustling bazaars at Chandni Chowk.Unforgettable experiencesVisit grand palaces, sweeping deserts and majestic forts. We'll take an exhilarating camel ride across the desert, spend a night at a dune safari camp and spot game on safari at Ranthambore National Park.Breathtaking NepalFrom the frenetic city of Kathmandu, to the incredible wildlife in Chitwan National Park and the historic Maya Devi Temple, it's impossible not to be swept up in the beauty of Nepal.

Inclusions

Travel

Return economy-class flights from Australia to India and Nepal. Taxes included

Accommodation & Meals

28 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 12 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Tour Guides

English-speaking locally based guides

English-speaking national guide throughout in India

English-speaking national guide throughout in Nepal

Porterage

Porterage included where available

Sightseeing

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Delhi

Explore the bustling city of Delhi, including visits to Red Fort (inside), Jama Masjid (inside), Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb. Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and an exotic spice tour of Khari Baoli Market, and drive past the Rajpath, Lutyen's Buildings and India Gate.

Visit amazing temples and magnificent forts

Ride by Jeep up to the magnificent Amber Fort in Jaipur, followed by a tour of its many beautiful rooms within the fort including the amazing Hall of Mirrors. Here the light of a single match sets off a dazzling display as it is reflected by thousands of tiny mirrors that line the walls.

Explore Junagarh Fort and visit a camel breeding farm in the fortified city of Bikaner.

Visit Karni Mata Temple at Deshnoke, an unusual holy shrine and home for thousands of protected rats.

Half day tour of the desert city of Jaisalmer, including a visit to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort and some of the city's historic sandstone havelis of the wealthy merchants.

Spend 2 nights in Jodhpur, known as the 'Blue City' because local Brahmins have painted their homes blue to show their status to all. Our touring includes the Mehrangarh Fort and its beautiful palaces - Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal, and the marble monument of Jaswant Thada.

Visit the incredible marble Jain Temple at Ranakpur (of which no 2 of its 1,400 pillars are the same) and beautiful Kumbhalgarh Fort enroute to Udaipur.

Visit the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built in 1569 but abandoned 15 years later due to lack of water. The sheer size of this city and its well-preserved state will astound you!

Take a city tour of Agra, including the imposing Agra Fort, known for its fine Mughal architecture.

Visit Agra's stunning Taj Mahal. A symbol of India, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful monument in the world.

Witness artistic palaces

Morning tour of Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes', which includes the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-ki-bari.

Visit Garh Palace in Bundi, known for its artistic Rajput style architecture.

Discover diverse India

Excite your taste buds with a market experience, cooking class and dinner with a local family in Jaipur.

Experience a mysterious Palmistry session in Jaipur.

Trek through the sand dunes by camel between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer and stay overnight at the Manvar desert safari camp. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning sunset over the desert dunes!

Discover the diversity of India during a jeep safari of a traditional Bishnoi Village.

Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the calm waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur (subject to water levels) to visit the island of Jagmandir.

Discover the shopping mecca of Nepal while transversing the narrow alleyways and streets of Thamel by rickshaw.

Spend two days in Chitwan National Park, rich in Flora and fauna, the wildlife and landscape is breathtaking. Famed as being home to the Bangal Tiger, we'll go in search of the diverse wildlife that Chitwan National Park is home too including rhinoceros, leopards elephants and much more.

Let your mind relax as you float down the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. Spot crocodiles and other reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks and witness the amazing birdlife that inhabit the area, both migratory and endemic.

Visit Ramgram Stupa enroute to Lumbini, believed to be the maternal home of Queen Mayadevi and Prajapati Gautami. A Buddhist pilgrimage site, it is believed it was constructed some 2,500 years ago and contains relics of Gautama Buddha.

Visit Maya Devi Garden, Temple and World Peace Flame. Maya Devi Temple is believed to be the birth place of Lord Buddha.

Visit a Nepalese Village and learn about their customs and traditions while joining a Gorkha family for lunch. The Gorkha people were well known for being recruited by the British Army during their occupation in the late 19th and 20th centuries and were known for their military prowess, courage and loyalty.

Enjoy a soft trek to and from Lumle & Tomijung, 3 hours each way.

Enjoy a boat trip on Fewa Lake and visit the Ghurka Memorial Museum.

Tour Provider

Bunnik Tours

Number of Days

30

Price From

AUD $10,805

Start Location

End Location

Age Range

Avg. 50+

Group Size

4 to 20

Tour Style

Comfort

Tour Themes

Rail, Slow paced, Small Marine/Cruise

Physical Rating

Moderate

Incudes Flights

Yes

Tour departure dates

Start

End

Availability

Price

01 May 2019

30 May 2019

Available

AUD $10,020

02 Oct 2019

31 Oct 2019

Available

AUD $10,220

27 Nov 2019

26 Dec 2019

Available

AUD $10,420

12 Feb 2020

12 Mar 2020

Available

AUD $10,520

11 Mar 2020

09 Apr 2020

Available

AUD $10,420

ItineraryExpand

Colours of Rajasthan & Nepal

Abbreviation: [B,L,D] Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1. Depart Australia - Arrive Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, India's bustling capital!

Day 2. Delhi

A busy morning touring Old Delhi. We'll discover the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and an exotic spice tour of Khari Baoli market. Enjoy a group welcome dinner this evening. [B,D]

Day 3. Delhi - Jaipur

This morning we depart for the 'Pink City', Jaipur. [B,D]

Special Experience: Visit a local market and interact with a local family during a traditional Indian cooking lesson before sharing dinner.

Day 4. Jaipur

Our day in the Rajasthani capital begins at the majestic Amber Fort, built from red limestone and marble by Raja Man Singh in 1592. Later we visit the Palace of Mirrors and the Palace of Winds, the City Palace Complex and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. [B]

Special Experience: India is famous for its palmistry tradition. Today we'll meet a local palmist who will read the lines of your hand for indications about your personality and destiny, based on Indian astrology.

Day 5. Jaipur - Bikaner

Our journey continues to Bikaner, a vibrant desert town with imposing forts and beautiful temples. This afternoon we explore Junagarh Fort and visit a camel-breeding farm. [B]

Day 6. Bikaner - Jaisalmer

This morning we travel to Jaisalmer, the 'Golden City'. We'll stop along the way at the unusual holy shrine of rats - Karni Mata Temple. This afternoon we'll tour the Jaisalmer Fort, the Jain temples and the intricate sandstone havelis of the wealthy merchants. [B]

Day 7. Jaisalmer - Manvar

Special Experience: We drive to Manvar, a beautiful, tented camp in the Thar Desert where we'll be spending the night. This evening we'll travel out to the sand dunes on a camel safari to experience the enchanting serenity. [B,L,D]

Day 8. Manvar - Jodhpur

Today we depart for the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. [B]

Day 9. Jodhpur

Special Experience: We begin the day exploring a traditional Bishnoi village by jeep. Famous for their passionate commitment to the protection of the environment, Bishnois typically live in distinct hut-like dwellings in groups around Rajasthan.

This afternoon we discover the sights of Jodhpur, including the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, the marble cenotaphs and Jaswant Thada. [B]

Day 10. Jodhpur - Udaipur

Today we travel south to Udaipur, visiting the marble Jain Temple at Ranakpur, famed for its 1,400 pillars. We'll also visit beautiful Kumbhalgarh Fort with its numerous palaces, temples and gardens. [B]

Day 11. Udaipur

We spend the morning touring the sights of this beautiful city. Highlights include the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the Garden of the Maidens. In the late afternoon we'll cruise across Lake Pichola to visit the island of Jag Mandir. [B]

Day 12. Udaipur - Bundi

This morning we depart for the hillside town of Bundi. The surroundings are dominated by an extraordinary palace rising out of the rockface above the town. [B]

Day 13. Bundi - Ranthambore National Park

Famous for its tiger population, Ranthambore National Park is our destination today. This afternoon we'll head out on a safari in search of these beautiful predators in their natural environment. [B,L,D]

Today we enjoy a short journey on the local train to Bharatpur to visit the deserted yet well-preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. We'll continue to Agra this afternoon. [B]

Day 16. Agra

Watch the sun rise this morning over the breathtaking Taj Mahal, coating it in a pearly-pink mist. We'll also explore Agra Fort, known for its fine Mughal architecture, and Baby Taj, otherwise known as the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. [B]

A note on Taj Mahal renovations: For the past two years the iconic Taj Mahal has been undergoing a mud-pack therapy treatment to clean and protect its ivory-white surface. The restoration process is nearing the end, however some restoration may continue into 2019.

Day 17. Agra - Delhi

This morning we return to Delhi. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore before our group farewell dinner. [B,D]

Day 18. Delhi - Kathmandu

Enjoy a relaxed morning before our flight to Kathmandu this afternoon. [B]

Day 19. Kathmandu

After breakfast we'll enjoy a full day of sightseeing around frenetic Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. [B]

Special Experience: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before traveling by rickshaw to Thamel were we will stroll the narrow streets and alleys.

Later we visit UNESCO World Heritage Listed Patan Durbar Square.

Day 20. Kathmandu

Our tour of Kathmandu continues, which will include the third Durbar Square of Bhaktapur, as well as Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple. [B]

Day 21. Kathmandu - Chitwan

Today we fly to Chitwan where we'll begin exploring the national park with our naturalist guide this afternoon. [B,L,D]

Day 22. Chitwan National Park

We'll start the day with a can safari before being led on a nature walk by an elephant, and later by ox cart. This evening we're treated to a Tharu dance performance. [B,L,D]